Las Vegas’s new staycation spot just might be Durango Casino Resort.
I’m a Nevada native. I’ve lived half my life in Reno, this present half in Las Vegas. And there are without a doubt some great vacation spots in both Northern and Southern Nevada for visitors. But what about staycations.
What makes a good staycation spot? It is, after all, a vacation in town. But it is still a vacation. Durango Casino Resort is just that!
Everyone wants good restaurants. Casual, or upscale, you want good food. But you also want a good cocktail, right? Well, there are some great bars to choose from at Durango Casino Resort.
The Bel-Aire Lounge is a fabulously cool, high energy bar. As you walk in the front doors from valet it is to the left past the check in/lobby area – which is beautiful, by the way. It’s modern, yet still a bit old school. The Bel Aire offers both food and drink, but the cocktails look smashing.
Are you a tequila drinker? Then try the Pink Flamingo. Patron silver tequila, pierre ferand orange curacao, orgeat, lime, and pitaya – which is a cactus fruit. I happen to love a good gin cocktail. If you haven’t had a proper gin cocktail, might I suggest the the French 75. Made with Botanist gin, moet, lemon, and simple syrup.
Want to go a little more casual at Durango Casino Resort with maybe a fun, or as they call them: elevated frozen drink? Then hit up DRNK, which is in the center of the action near the Hall of Food. It’s a laid back atmosphere, and a great bar to grab a quick cocktail, or sit for a few and chill.
Another cocktail stop at Durango Casino Resort will be Oasis Lounge. What’s cool about Oasis Lounge is that their cocktails are inspired by desert botanicals. Their website boasts ‘The Zen Universe.’ It features Ketel One vodka, mancino sakura, cucumber, yuzu, lemon, peychaud’s bitters and egg whites. It is served tableside with a lychee aromatic vapor. So – yeah!
Here are some other cool staycations in Las Vegas.
Rampart Casino/The Resort at Summerlin
Sometimes I want to feel like I am away from the city I live in, without actually having to leave. Rampart/The Resort at Summerlin is beautiful. Waterfalls and whirlpools! The pool is exceptional. Spa Aquae is one on the best spas in Las Vegas. And the views from their rooms are stunning either way you look – the Strip, Red Rock, the pool. It’s a nice local staycation. Hawthorne Grill, Speidini, Jade, Earl Grey Cafe – or a good old fashioned BUFFET – they have several dining options. And they’re all great!
Lake Las Vegas Hilton
Lake Las Vegas is about 3o minutes outside of Las Vegas, and it is truly like being in another place! Everywhere you turn, the views are spectacular! The hilton at Lake Las Vegas probably has the most beautiful spot at LLV (but it is well worth looking into an Airbnb as well). MonteLago village offers restaurants, a marina, water sports, and shopping. The beautiful Reflection Bay Golf Club welcomes you. The Hilton Lake Las Vegas has a resort pool with private cabanas and a beautiful Mediterranean style spa. It all feels like a little taste of Italy!
Four Seasons Hotel
Yes, it’s a little pricier (what ISN’T in Las Vegas these days), but if you can even stay one or two nights, do it. It is adjacent to Mandalay Bay, but Four Seasons is one of the only non-gaming and non-smoking hotels on the Las Vegas Strip. A five star spa, beautiful rooms, and elegance that only the Four Seasons has. And the Veranda restaurant is so cool. Very welcoming with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the pool. Or you can sit outside – it’s gorgeous!
M Resort
Again, if you want to feel like you’re not in Las Vegas, but close enough, The M Resort is a great place! Very reasonably priced rooms, with views of the Las Vegas Strip, and the mountains of Southern Nevada. Floor-to-ceiling windows that make you feel like you ARE outside. Kick back by the pool with food and cocktails. Or, you can enjoy stadium food, pastas, burgers, steaks, and seafood! Of course, make sure you make time for a spa visit at their full service spa.
Boulder Dam Hotel
Boulder Dam Hotel is one of the coolest places you’ve never been to. It was built to accommodate visitors to Hoover Dam/Boulder Dam. It only has a couple dozen rooms, so book early! They have a restaurant, and cocktail bar in the hotel. There are several restaurants within walking distance in Boulder city. It is such a unique piece of history. And it is said to be haunted. A fun visit any time of year!
